The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Huntsville and northwest Alabama. (The National Weather Service)

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Huntsville area and northwest Alabama as temperatures hit 105 degrees or higher this afternoon.

The warning lasts until 7 p.m. includes Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Cullman, Lawrence, Colbert and Franklin Counties in Alabama and Lincoln County in southern Tennessee. Temperatures in those areas ranged from 104 in Cullman to 107 in Florence. Huntsville had hit 105 as of 4:15 p.m. and Athens 106. Heat indices were between 98 and 110 degrees, according to the weather service.

An excessive heat warning means the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke are elevated.

Huntsville Utilities spokesman Bill Yell said the heat is pushing electricity and water usage levels to near-record highs, though exact figures won't be available until later this evening.